A Little History About Alcohol
Ever wonder what the term ‘honeymoon’ meant? All over the world, there is much evidence that history of alcohol goes as far back as over 10,000 years ago! In fact, in some ancient cultures, the communities figured out how to make beer before even learning how to make bread! From worshipping wine to settling feudal arguments, alcohol has come to the rescue for many civilizations, as well as many more to come.
Cultures such as the Romans, Greek and Egyptians all had based many rituals and gatherings around the consumption of alcohol. The ancient Egyptians even buried people with a little alcohol to take with them in the afterlife. In ancient Babylonian times, there are over 20 different styles of beer before 800 B.C., when China and India began producing their own forms of alcohol such as the world famously beloved sake, cognac and brandy through the distillation of barley and rice.
As time moved forward during the Roman civil war, Caesar and his troops introduced beer to Northern Europe creating a whole influx of brewing activity. Many of the monasteries in Europe began producing beer as it was a nourishing beverage that they could consume in the monastery while also selling some on the side, which would help benefit their monastery. Now Don’t we all appreciate the efforts that went into such wonder beers such as Chimay which is still produced by monks?
Many years later came the Renaissance which meant more beer? Indeed this did have an impact on alcohol and brewing as it was known, but this time they put science into the equation when concocting different forms of alcoholic beverages. It was around this time when the big boom in all the different forms of alcohol came about in many countries throughout the world. With these big booms came all sorts of new types of alcohol such as Russian Vodka, Mexican Tequila, German, Belgian, English and other types of drinks for all the world to enjoy!
Soon thereafter, came the boom in the newfound colonies in America which made a trade out of alcohol in the now United States. In later years, the alcohol sold and distributed throughout the U.S. were served in establishments such as local saloons with also supplemented their incomes with a little gambling and prostitution on the side for their patrons. However, many groups of people were disgusted with this sort of lifestyle and began to fight the consumption of alcohol altogether. These abstinence fighters worked and worked tooth and nail to get laws passed in order to place a ban on alcohol throughout the United States in order to create an ideal ‘sober’ nation and to rid the nation of the ‘evils’ of alcohol. Well, in 1920 they finally succeeded and alcohol was banned. This was better know as prohibition. It was during these times, many powerful gangs, bootleggers, racketeers, and smugglers got their start and caused quite an increase in criminal activity and the famous ‘black market’ of booze, which had made many people sick through poorly-made and contaminated beverages.
Around 1932, the government realized that something went terribly wrong as John D. Rockefeller, a well-known industrialist stated: “When Prohibition was introduced, I hoped that it would be widely supported by public opinion and the day would soon come when the evil effects of alcohol would be recognized. I have slowly and reluctantly come to believe that this has not been the result. Instead, drinking has generally increased; the speakeasy has replaced the saloon; a vast army of lawbreakers has appeared; many of our best citizens have openly ignored Prohibition; respect for the law has been greatly lessened; and crime has increased to a level never seen before.”
The ban on alcohol and Prohibition in general was lifted in 1933. Many of the world’s largest breweries in existence today such as Budweiser reopened for business and not only lifted many spirits, but also began brewing the world famous style also known as the American lager.
So what do you think? Was prohibition the answer to the problems of the time or did it cause more problems than it was worth? Of course we don’t have too much evidence stating in detail as to what problems had arisen in ancient times due to the alcohol trade, but it does seem in the evidence we do have that people have always been much more content with the freedom of being able to consume alcohol versus that of prohibition. When consuming alcohol, however, remember that the health benefits of alcohol come when consumed in moderation as opposed to over doing it. Enjoy!
By: S. Michael Windsor
Posts Tagged ‘Civilizations’
A Little History About Alcohol
January 30th, 2010History of Archery and War
September 16th, 2009History of Archery and War:
When we think about how old Archery is, We may think hundreds of years. But the real truth is 25,000 to 50,000 years. Archery has played a major role in almost all civilizations, From Asia to Europe, Africa to the America’s. In past times, To modern times and beyond. Hunting to play, Archery is here to stay in some fa sit for century’s to come as well.
The historical aspects of Archery are a great rainy day lesson to the true value of the sport. It cannot be denied the fact that the Bow and Arrow were one of mans first attempts at invention. It certainly has played it’s role through the ages. In well preserved cave drawings of Archers found in Spain, to the development of Archery as one of Americas highly regarded praised sports. The bow has been found to exist in every country in the world except Australia. That is saying a lot about our development as human beings indeed.
The history and fascination of Archery is able to stand the tests of time. The Turkish peoples knew great efficiency’s in war against the Crusaders, We also know of the effectiveness of the English Yeomen in the Hundred Years War battles of Crecy, Poitiers, and Agincourt. However sadly, The introduction of firearms led to the demise of the beloved bow and arrow as a strong weapon of war, So it had faded into vogue as a recreational sport. It has continual uses through phases to present modern day Archery as we know it.
Looking into the history of Archery in the United States, We see that it begins with the American Indians. The American Indian was and is the true Archer of this continent, The Indians had to use there bow daily in search of his food and in times of warfare as his chief weapon. We can see that there is a lot to be learned from the American Indians and our own culture in our quest to learn more. But as such, The prowess as the Indian as an Archer has been greatly exaggerated. While the Indian people as a whole are marvelous hunters, Therefore a practical Archer, But was not great at target shooting from a sport standpoint. The Indians stalking ability was great though, From a stalking standpoint, He could take his prey from a close distance with almost certain effect.
In 1828 the United Bowmen of America were the first American society of Archers in the United States. It was not until after the Civil War that Archery was popularized as a sport. This new found sport was popularized by two ex-confederate soldiers, Maurice and Will Thompson. They had moved to the Everglades in Florida and lived for years by the bow, By 1878, Maurice had written what has become a classic American Archery classic, “Witchery of Archery”. It had immediate impact all over the country. People began shooting throughout the country with the bow for sport. Not long after the National Archery Association was formed with Maurice Thompson as its first president. By the early part of the 1900’s the sport had begun to fade back out of the limelight. Then a most intriguing event occurred, While 1911 found a naked, Starving Indian named Ishi who was discovered in California’s wild desert. Ishi was a living example of a Stone Age man, He was the last of the Yanas. It was Saxton Pope who discovered the significance of this weird naked Indian. Together the Indian and Pope wrought the most complete and authoritative texts and materials on Archery traditions and techniques. As we’ve learned just here, Theres more to learn about this unique subject and sport and hunting extravaganza called Archery.
Whether your using a Shortbow, Longbow, Traditional Bow, or a Compound Bow archery is a great vehicle of information.
If its only to read and study about the history of Archery.
It still holds a lot of information and learning potential for your mind to develop on something new.
Find the spirit of your next Great White Buffalo.
Get the Cat Scratch Fever, See the potential and learn about Archery today.
By: Shawn Burgy
